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Elevated Green Roofs with Cross-Laminated Timber Creating Vibrant Urban Communities

Authors:
Sharareh Faryadi, Iana Reza Sartaee , Christian Brian Cueva, Negar Fakhar, Reza Mohammadi, Negar Fakhar
Elevated Green Roofs with Cross-Laminated Timber Creating Vibrant Urban Communities

Project in-detail

Elevated green roofs crowned with vibrant charred wooden shingles create a sustainable haven for diverse urban communities, seamlessly blending ecology and inclusive housing in the heart of Hell's Kitchen.
5 key facts about this project
01
The project incorporates elevated green roofs designed to manage stormwater and support local biodiversity.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels are used extensively for their sustainable properties and aesthetic warmth.
03
Charred wooden shingles provide both fire resistance and a unique texture that enhances the building's visual appeal.
04
A bent A-frame design optimizes views and sunlight exposure while improving structural efficiency.
05
Community hubs integrate cultural spaces, promoting engagement and inclusivity within the urban environment.
The LGBTQ Line is an innovative architectural project situated in Hell's Kitchen, New York, designed to create an elevated greenway community that caters to diverse genders and sexual identities. This project embodies a commitment to inclusivity, resilience, and ecological sustainability, addressing both the spatial needs of marginalized communities and the socio-environmental challenges posed by climate change. Serving as a vital connection between neighboring districts such as Chelsea and the West Village, the LGBTQ Line promotes a sense of community and belonging while integrating lush green spaces with urban living.

At its core, the LGBTQ Line represents the intersection of community, identity, and environmental consciousness. It stands as a testament to the importance of recognizing the needs of diverse populations within urban settings and demonstrates how architecture can facilitate social interactions and a sense of belonging. The project aims to alleviate the challenges faced by the LGBTQ community, particularly in densely populated cities where safe and affirming spaces are often limited.

The design outlines a series of elevated structures that mimic the existing highline while embedding vibrant green spaces that encourage community interaction. Within this framework, community gardens, public parks, and mixed-use areas coexist, promoting a lifestyle centered around ecology and social engagement. This approach ensures that green spaces are woven throughout the design, fostering holistic well-being and interaction among residents, visitors, and local businesses.

Materiality plays a crucial role in this project, as the selection of materials reflects its sustainable ethos and commitment to durability. Sustainable timber is employed for structural components, providing warmth and a natural aesthetic that harmonizes with the green environment. Transparent glass elements allow ample natural light to permeate the interior spaces, creating an inviting atmosphere while maintaining visual links to the surrounding landscape. Steel framing contributes essential structural integrity, enabling flexibility and resilience in the face of environmental pressures. Additionally, the inclusion of green roof systems functions to manage stormwater, enhance biodiversity, and reduce heat, all within an urban context.

Color serves as a notable aspect in the design, with a vibrant palette characterized by reds, yellows, and blues that symbolize the diversity and vibrancy of the LGBTQ community. This thoughtful approach to color choices adds a layer of meaning to the design, making the project not only visually appealing but also representative of the communities it serves.

An integral component of the LGBTQ Line is the concept of Microhomes, which are compact living spaces designed to accommodate varying family structures and lifestyle needs. These Microhomes prioritize functionality while offering opportunities for communal interactions. The careful arrangement of these homes promotes connections among residents, while still respecting personal privacy.

One of the most significant and unique aspects of the LGBTQ Line is its proactive response to climate change. As rising sea levels and urban density pose real threats to communities, the elevated design serves as a strategic measure to navigate these challenges. This forward-thinking approach combines ecological mindfulness with urban planning, positioning the LGBTQ Line as a model for future developments that prioritize both human and environmental health.

Moreover, the project features culturally significant nodes that invite expressions of LGBTQ culture, enhancing community engagement and visibility. These nodes act as gathering spaces that encourage solidarity, exploration, and celebration of diverse identities, further solidifying the project's central role in reinforcing social identity within urban architecture.

The process of development within the LGBTQ Line has included iterative design phases, in which community feedback has played a pivotal role. This collaborative effort underscores the project's commitment to representing and serving the needs of a broad spectrum of residents, fostering an architecture that is not only functional but also rooted in its community's values.

For further insights into this project, including detailed architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas, interested readers are encouraged to explore the presentation of the LGBTQ Line, which illustrates the thoughtful and inclusive approach taken throughout this significant work of architecture.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

Microhome

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € PRIZE FUND / KINGPSAN EDITION #10 IDEAS COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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